AUDIO: Stepping up comes 'naturally'
AUDIO: It is fair to say that Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu exemplifies everything the new Springboks are set up to become.
He is quite literally the epitome of a new dawn for the Springboks, as he delivered a remarkable display of vision, picture-perfect touch finders, and excellent interplay with his backs against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday.
It was a display of high quality, bar his first crooked penalty attempt, and it is evident he has stepped up into that flyhalf berth with the confidence of a seasoned and weathered ‘old head’ despite his mere 22 years.
Commenting about his first start for the Springboks against the Wallabies in Australia, a place that has haunted the Springboks for years, Feinberg-Mngomeluzu again showed maturity that belies his age.
“I feel amazing.
“I am so happy the guys could pull it together.
“There was obviously some talk around the curse of Suncorp [Brisbane], but to have a good training week and then execute when it comes to the game and put points on a quality outfit was our goal,” he said after the match.
“Next we go again.”
In the Test match against Portugal in Bloemfontein last month, the 22-year-old did in 36 minutes what Springbok fans have not seen from their regular flyhalves in months.
In those 36 minutes, the Springbok door opened for Feinberg-Mngomezulu and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands, helping to set up the demolition against the Wallabies with his calm and cool head and silky skills.
“I think it comes naturally to me.
“The guys around me, double World Cup champs, their aura rubs off on me and they provide me with clarity and security and I feel so at home here.
“Which just allows me to be myself on the field and ultimately do my job properly,” he said, attempting to describe how he made the step up so seamlessly.
He hailed the Springboks for their grit and determination to keep on playing after being 30 points up.
“Our defence showed, after we sort of won the game 30-points up, that grit and determination and relentless getting off the line to defend our flag is everything the Springboks stand for.
“To pull that off away from home and defend our flag, the boys are happy.”
For most youngsters, his whirlwind elevation into the Bok No. 10 jumper will be mind-blowing. For him, it just tops what is meant to be a very special year.
“It’s my crown year so I definitely now believe crown years are special.
“It has been the most awesome year ever and to rub shoulders with my heroes and sort of step up and see them now as my teammates instead of my heroes is a dream come true.
“I just hope this year is the building block for the future.”
